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In this increasingly digital age, travel agents are having to deal with the shift to e-documents. Travel agents say many clients, particularly those who are younger or more technically savvy, are happy with the changes, but some older, more affluent customers are missing the days of high-end luggage tags and trip documentation.

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Airlines and global distribution systems have been battling over a variety of issues for decades, but the situation might be about to change if the carriers decide to bypass the GDSs. American Airlines, for example, is working to cut the link -- the Edifact cord -- between it and the GDSs. Instead, American would connect directly with large travel agencies and travel management companies.

At an industry conference, cruise line executives said travel agents should not be concerned with noncommissionable fees or commissions for shore excursions. Richard Sasso of MSC Cruises explained the NCFs represent the portion of the fares not controlled by the cruise lines. "There are things that happen outside the hull of the ship, services provided to us that have nothing to do with the linens or lobsters or the marble we put on the ship," he said, giving the example of harbor pilots that might charge the line $5,000 to bring a ship into port. "Those costs are far beyond the actual cost of the product that we deliver."

A volcano in Iceland has sent ash clouds across Europe, causing the largest shutdown of international airspace in years. Airlines have canceled thousands of flights worldwide as volcanic ash can cause engine failure in planes. Experts say there is no way to predict how long the volcanic eruptions -- and subsequent flight disruptions -- will continue.

The Department of Homeland Security will spend an additional $70 million fortifying U.S. airports, with about half of the funds going toward the purchase of 1,200 explosive trace-detection units. Speaking at Boston's Logan Airport, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said the airport upgrades are "important elements of our layered aviation security strategy to protect the flying public from terrorism."

Readers of CNN.com left hundreds of comments about Spirit Airlines' move to charge passengers to bring carry-on luggage aboard its planes. Many people complained about the news, but some expressed hope that Spirit's move would deter passengers from bringing overstuffed bags on board to avoid checked-luggage fees. "I have watched the growing abuse by passengers who are taking ever-larger items into the cabin; turning to seated passengers to ask for help in lifting their leaden bags; blocking the aisles while they turn, twist, shove, and bang their oversize carry-ons into crowded bins," one person wrote.